Many people spend years feeling uncomfortable with their appearance before ever considering setting up their first consultation with a plastic surgeon.
This is why, very often, this is when a patient may feel their most nervous, uncertain, and vulnerable. It’s a first visit, and you hope to walk out with a clear understanding of what comes next.
At his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Mark Bosbous has guided many patients through this process. In this article, we’ll talk about the questions you should ask, the information you should be prepared to discuss, documents you should bring, and more.
Before You Show Up
A plastic surgery consultation may feel like a casual first conversation, but it’s actually an in-depth medical appointment during which you should try to get the answers to all of your questions. Taking a little time to prepare beforehand can make the visit much more productive.
One of the first things patients should do is confirm that the surgeon they’re meeting with is properly credentialed. In the United States, you can verify this through the Certification Matters search tool.
While it may seem like a formality, board certification confirms that a surgeon has completed extensive training in plastic surgery and passed rigorous examinations in the specialty.
It can also be helpful to spend some time looking at the surgeon’s previous work. Many clinics share before-and-after photos on their websites or social media pages. Try to specifically look for patients with your age, body type, and skin tone so you can create realistic expectations about your own results.
Patients should also gather their extensive medical history before arriving at the appointment. This includes details about previous surgeries, current medications or supplements, allergies, chronic conditions, and smoking history.
Finally, consider wearing comfortable clothing to the appointment. Depending on the procedure being discussed, the surgeon may need to perform a physical examination of the area in question.
During Your Appointment
The conversation usually begins with what brought you in. This is the time to talk openly about your concerns, how long you’ve been thinking about the change, and what kind of result you hope to achieve.
After discussing your goals, the surgeon will typically perform a physical examination of the area you’re asking about. It’ll help determine whether you’re a good candidate for a procedure, and inform your surgeon about what’s possible.
During this step, the doctor may assess factors such as skin quality, underlying structure, symmetry, and overall proportions.
From there, the conversation turns to possible treatment plans. In many cases, there isn’t just one way to approach a procedure. Depending on your anatomy, your goals, and the type of aesthetic you’re after, the surgeon may outline different options.
This usually includes how the surgery is performed, what the recovery may look like, and what kind of outcome is realistically achievable. The goal is for you to leave the consultation with a clear understanding of what can and cannot be done.
Questions Patients Should Consider Asking
While the surgeon will guide much of the conversation, patients should also come prepared with a few questions of their own. A consultation is your chance to understand exactly what you’re signing up for.
One of the most important questions to ask is whether you’re actually a good candidate for the procedure. In some cases, a surgeon may suggest a different approach than the one you initially had in mind, even one that doesn’t involve plastic surgery.
Patients should also ask what kind of results are realistic for their specific anatomy. Your surgeon should have a point of reference to give you a clear answer about it.
Recovery is another key topic to cover. Ask how long healing typically takes, what the first few weeks after surgery look like, and when most patients are able to return to normal activities.
Many patients also want to understand how long results typically last. While some procedures offer long-term or permanent changes, others may require maintenance treatments over time.
Finally, it’s reasonable to ask about risks and possible complications. A good consultation should leave you with a clear understanding of both the benefits and the limitations of surgery.
What Happens After the Consultation
You should leave a good first consultation with a clear plan for what your next steps could be. You should feel cared for and listened to, and confident that you’re in safe hands. If those needs are not met, it’s perfectly reasonable to keep looking.
At his clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous approaches consultations as an important first step in that process. He takes the time to talk through goals, expectations, and medical considerations to make sure patients move forward with clarity and confidence.
If you’re near the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area and are thinking about making a change, don’t hesitate. Book your first consultation today.